This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from the City of Tybee Island for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq. for dune restoration seaward of the eastern terminus of Center Street, 3rd Street, 2nd Street, and Gulick Street on Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia.

The applicant is proposing dune restoration along the beachfront where over-wash occurred from storm surges associated recent storms including Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Matthew. Impacts from storm surge negatively impacted the dynamic dune field as well as flooded real property landward of the dynamic dune field.

The proposed dune restoration consists of placing approximately 5,000 cubic yards of beach quality sand obtained from an upland source in four (4) identified areas, planting native vegetation, installing sand fencing, and modifying two existing DNR-approved vehicular access routes. The four project areas total approximately 48,250 square feet (1.11 acres) and currently consists of bare sand and vegetated dunes.

Project Area 1 is located seaward of eastern terminus of Center Street. As proposed, approximately 60ft. x 27ft. of beachfront will have approximately 1,620 square feet (300 cubic yards) of sand sculpted into a sand dune that averages approximately 6ft. to 8ft. in height.

Project Area 2 is located seaward of eastern terminus of 3rd Street. As proposed, approximately 50ft. x 130ft. of beachfront will have approximately 6,500 square feet (1200 cubic yards) of sand sculpted into a sand dune that averages approximately 8ft. in height.

Project Area 3 is located seaward of eastern terminus of 2nd Street. As proposed, approximately 60ft. x 27ft. of beachfront will have approximately 1,620 square feet (300 cubic yards) of sand sculpted into a sand dune that averages approximately 6ft. to 8ft. in height.

Project Area 4 is located seaward of eastern terminus of Gulick Street and consists of Area A and Area B. As proposed, Area A consists of an area approximately 30ft. x 200ft. and will have approximately 6,000 square feet (2,000 cubic yards) of sand added. Area B consists of an area approximately 135ft. x 34ft. and will have approximately 6,460 square feet (1,200 cubic yards) of sand added. The sand in both Area A and B will be sculpted into a sand dune that averages approximately 10ft. to 12ft. in height.

To help stabilize the restored sand dunes within the project areas, the applicant is proposing the installation of salt tolerant, native dunescape plants, temporary irrigation and sand fencing that will be strategically located throughout the project areas seaward and landward of the new constructed dunes.

In addition to enhancing the dune field with continuously vegetated sand dunes in each project area, the applicant is proposing to improve the existing DNR-approved vehicular accesses at 3rd Street and Gulick Street. The improved vehicular access points will consist of subsurface stabilization that is comprised of a series of sand bags filled with beach quality sand obtained from an upland source. The subsurface stabilized vehicular accesses will be constructed in a manner that will prevent storm surge penetration that causes residential flooding, while providing City of Tybee Island emergency vehicles, police vehicles, marine rescue vehicles and authorized City of Tybee Island employees reliable ingress and egress to the dry sand beach at all tidal stages.

As proposed, the total jurisdictional impacts for the four (4) project areas is approximately 22,200 square feet (0.51 acres). After construction, 100% of the State’s jurisdictional area will be retained or improved to a more natural vegetated and topographic state.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. In passing upon the application for permit, the permit issuing authority shall consider the public interest which for purposes of this part shall be deemed to be the following considerations: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful, increased alteration of the dynamic dune field or submerged lands, or function of the sand-sharing system will be created; (2) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of marine life, wildlife, or other resources; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with reasonable access by and recreational use and enjoyment of public properties impacted by the project.

Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing by the close of business on February 7, 2019 to Deb Barreiro, Department of Natural Resources, 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 104, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.